It was Fashion’s Night Out and I had just finished photographing Neiman Marcus’ Fall Runway show and turned around to see this stunning female in a gorgeous long, patterned skirt and black strapless bustier. But what really caught my eye was her stunning magenta hair! I just had to snap a picture of her so I walked over and introduced myself. When I asked her who she was wearing I was so thrilled when she said, “Actually, I’m wearing myself. I’m a local designer.” I knew that I had to know more about this intriguing lady. Ladies and gentleman, please meet LaToya Chenelle Crawford, owner and designer at 4340 Agnes & Co!
This past Monday, I found myself sitting on a couch in the adorable home design studio of 4340 Agnes & Co. LaToya’s smile and approachable easiness made me quickly feel welcome and the conversation didn’t stop flowing from there.
“You can probably hear the country in my voice, ” said LaToya when telling me she was from Beaumont, Texas. And, yes, I quickly picked up the East Texas accent which actually just made her all the more endearing. LaToya’s family home is located at 4340 Agnes (hence the name of the brand) in Beaumont and her grandmother still currently resides at the address. The home is the foundation of LaToya’s inspiration today due to her fond memories of being raised in the strong female household of her mother and grandmother. She shared with me little stories of many days spent in her family’s beauty school where she initially began to experiment with fashion.
Being from a single-parent family has influenced LaToya’s brand by establishing the founding belief that women don’t have to break the bank in order to feel good. She readily admits that she’s not a couture designer, she’s ready-to-wear and for every type of woman with all body sizes.
I was completely enthralled as LaToya displayed some of her current designs which feature striking metallics, bold colors and sensational prints. I couldn’t help but reach out and touch the fabrics and was amazed at her talent. I was also excited to learn that LaToya is showing an entire collection at the upcoming San Antonio Fashion Week in October. She expressed her excitement about the fantastic things going on in the local fashion industry and sees it really catapulting. You can easily see her devotion for the city, even admitting to having a little “pact” to stay here and continue to do her part in driving San Antonio fashion to new and better places.
As our meeting came to a close I reflected on how grateful I was that I ran in to LaToya that Fashion’s Night Out. Not only does San Antonio have an amazing designer right in our backyard but I realized she’s also an incredible person. Just one of those people who you can tell are truly kind, have a big heart and are supportive of those around them.
Watch out fashion industry! You’ve got a San Antonio designer coming your way. I can’t wait to see all the great things that 4340 Agnes & Co. has in store!
To follow LaToya and 4340 Agnes & Co. visit their Facebook page by clicking here.
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This is my sTORI being written as you read. – Love, Mommy Tori
Loved the animal print dress.
I loved it as well. It’s her new “Josephine” dress.
Again a great article. Like to see your sincere interest in people, thats a good characteristic.
Thank you so much! It’s easy to be interested in someone as lovely as LaToya!
She does sound like a lovely person. Love her designs and something tells me Iw ill like her personal style too.
Thank you for introducing us to her! 🙂
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I think you would love her!
I really enjoyed reading the coverage of the fashion nite. Tori, good job. Sharlene Johnson
Thank you!
[…] On Tuesday I was giddy to attend Fashion Week San Antonio’s Emerging Designer Competition. I think it’s so important for this city to support it’s up-and-coming designers. Additionally, it’s always very exciting to see what new designs they will come up with. Lastly – I actually know LaToya Hudson, one of the designers, and covered her in a previous blog post (to read the blog post click here). […]